Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the closing ceremony of the Shimla Cricket Carnival held here at Police ground, Bharari, on Sunday evening. The cricket championship was organized under the theme 'Say No to Drugs, Embrace Sports.' Appreciating the efforts of the organizers, the Chief Minister said that the campaign against the drug abuse, particularly the menace of chitta, has now evolved into a widespread mass movement across the state.
He said that active participation from all sections of society has significantly strengthened awareness campaigns against drug abuse. The Chief Minister said that with the objective of steering youth away from substance abuse and channelizing their energy into positive pursuits, volleyball and cricket tournaments were organized during the recently concluded International Shimla Summer Festival.
He said that sports promote discipline, self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle among young people while helping them stay away from negative influences. Reiterating the government's commitment to building a drug-free society, the Chief Minister announced that seminars and walkathons highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse would be organized in all colleges across the state.
The senior district-level officers have been directed to regularly visit schools to educate students about the adverse consequences of drug addiction. He said that the police, social organizations, panchayats, teachers, parents and youth were collectively carrying forward this decisive battle against drugs throughout the state.
The government was not only targeting drug traffickers but was also dismantling their financial networks and operational roots, he added. Over the last three and a half years, illegal properties worth nearly Rs. 51 crore have been confiscated by the state government and stringent action has been taken against several traffickers and drug mafia elements.
The Chief Minister further stated that action has been taken against 123 government employees and police personnel involved in drug-related cases, including the dismissal of 10 government employees and 21 police personnel from the service. He said the state government's landmark decision to make dope testing mandatory before recruitment to the government services was a significant step towards realizing the vision of a drug-free Himachal.
He also elaborated on various initiatives and ambitious schemes being implemented by the state government to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide better facilities and opportunities to sportspersons. He announced a financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh for organizing the tournament and also declared a 50 percent concession in cricket ground fees.
MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, President, Shimla Cricket Carnival Club Virender Banshtu, Tournament Chairman Manoj Chauhan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.